THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 



53 



about 5 feet long, with a hole bored into each end, and a notch in the center. The 

 notch should be placed against the stake originally set and indicating just where the 

 tree is to stand. Now pull up the stake, place it and another stake in the holes at 

 each ,end. Then lift your board and proceed to dig the hole at a point about the 

 center between the two stakes. Repeat this operation by proceeding to your next 

 stake, and in this manner complete the digging of the holes over the entire field. It 

 is at the option of the planter to either dig the holes and plant the trees as he goes 



The Bardajic Fig, showing habit of growth and cross-section of fruit. Very much reduced. 



From an original photograph. 



along, or to dig all the holes before setting any trees at all; obviously the latter 

 method will require more stakes to indicate the positions over the whole field that 

 the trees are to occupy. The holes should be at least 18 inches in diameter and of 

 equal depth. 



The Smyrna Fig tree is a great surface feeder, and in its maturity becomes a tree 

 of no mean dimensions. Owing to these two conditions, it is advisable to plant the 

 trees not less than 25 feet apart, and, on exceptionally rich soils, 35 feet would be 

 preferable. Indeed, the experience of planters in California points decidedly in favor 

 of giving the fig plenty of latitude in this respect. Sunshine is always a desideratum 

 with this fruit, as it has an important bearing on its proper ripening during the sum- 

 mer season. 



The ground is now ready for the reception of the trees. In planting the Smyrna 

 Fig extra precaution should be taken to avoid any unnecessary exposure of the roots. 

 Before planting care should be taken to cut away all bruised and lacerated roots to 



